Why Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may cure hair loss

When you start losing hair, there are several things that you can do – you can try out home remedies, such as applying nourishing hair masks or oiling your hair regularly. Alternately, you can head to a hair expert and get a proper examination and diagnosis and ask for advice on choosing the appropriate course of action to protect your hair. When the hair loss has just started, you might be asked to consider non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures such as laser hair combs or PRP hair treatment.

In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about PRP and why it is actually a really promising treatment option for hair thinning and the start of hair loss.

• Let’s start with what exactly is PRP:

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is basically a medical procedure which has been in existence for a long time, but it was initially used in sports medicine, to help with faster healing of injuries. However, very soon, experts understood that the same procedure can be used very easily to treat hair loss and general thinning of hair too. The platelets that are naturally present in the blood contain growth factors that can help stimulate the follicles and improve not only hair growth, but also the overall quality and health of hair. Certain studies have shown that these growth factors can stimulate hair follicles that are lying dormant and that can lead to better hair growth.

• Here is how the procedure is done:

The process is actually quite simple and minimally invasive – a small amount of blood, generally around 50ml, will be drawn out from your arm. This step is just like a regular blood test and is hardly painful. The blood that is taken out is then placed in a test tube, which is then placed inside a centrifuge machine. When the centrifuge spins at high speed, the components of blood are separated and there is a concentration of specifically plasma and platelets, and the highly potent PRP for hair thinning is ready!

The platelet rich plasma is carefully separated and what is left behind is just red and white blood cells. The PRP is then injected into the areas of the scalp, where the hair loss is starting to show or the thinning is happening. The injections are generally given via a really fine needle, which will feel nothing more than pinpricks. Within about half an hour, you should be able to leave and head back to office, but you might be asked to avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours.

Why is PRP being considered an extremely promising procedure, especially for initial hair loss and hair thinning? Here are just some of the reasons:

• Studies have shown that platelets in the human blood contain a range of growth factors, several bioactive proteins and cytokines, which are proteins essential for cell signalling. The usage of these factors can help not only cause rapid healing, but can also instigate regeneration of new hair and help with tissue repair. Injecting these platelets into the scalp can help stimulate the stem cells too and that can eventually lead to hair growth.
• It is also believed that PRP can help with the promotion of the creation of new blood cells in the scalp, which in turn can help improve the blood to the follicles of hair. When there is more flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, the hair growth is bound to increase naturally.
• In certain cases, the hair loss can be attributed to inflammation on the scalp, but PRP hair treatment can help alleviate inflammation, creating a more favourable environmentfor your hair. When there is no inflammation, hair is able to grow better.
• One of the reasons why PRP is become so popular and is considered truly effective is the fact that there are generally no medical contraindications, making this a suitable option for almost everyone. As a matter of fact, PRP can be administered in combination with a range of other treatments too. Several doctors choose to use PRP in combination with minoxidil, finasteride or even laser combs.
• For people with early-stage hair loss, PRP has proven to show immense results; although it might not show the kind of results for people who have obvious bald spots, it can most certainly help where the hair loss has just started or the thinning has become prominent.
• Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of considering PRP for hair thinning is the fact that it is a completely natural approach – the blood from the person’s own body us used and there are no other elements or ingredients, which means that the chances of any reactions, such as allergic reactions, immune responses or any other complications are minimal.
• Moreover, this is a minimally invasive procedure – apart from a few needles and injections, there is nothing else really involved in this procedure. There is absolutely no need for any incisions, which means that there are no stitches or elongated healing process. As a matter of fact, you will not even need any anaesthesia and will be able to return to your regular routine in a matter of hours, which is why this is also called a lunchtime procedure.
• One of the reasons why several doctors are suggesting PRP for hair thinning is also because it is a truly effective non-surgical option. While a transplant is suitable for extensive hair loss, PRP can be used for not only early hair loss, but also if you want to improve the volume and density of your hair.
• Although, the results of this procedure might not become visible immediately, most studies have shown that the results tend to become visible over time. The improvement might be gradual, but the results tend to be immensely natural looking.
• Another reason why this treatment is considered so promising is because it can be completely customised – depending on the type of hair loss you have, the extent of the loss and your medical history.

In the past few years, PRP hair treatment has become immensely popular and there are several reasons for the same. If you too have been facing hair loss, it might be a good decision to talk to your hair expert and consider PRP.